Project Description
Industry / sector: Creative industries Activity Type: Work Inspiration & Preparation /Sector Awareness
Businesses involved: Atkinsrealis and Hoare lea
Name of School: Balwearie high school
Event
AtkinsRealis delivered a session on Building Services Engineering (part of the level 1 course) with a presentation and activities to support students in their understanding of the discipline. Pupils were later able to adjust their design projects with the new information they learned.
AtkinsRealis led the presentation with a Building Services Engineer guest speaker from the engineering consultancy, Hoare Lea. He gave the pupils a tour of the school plant room and analysed the existing services in the building.
Dr Dean Carrick from Atkins Realis also returned to Balwearie to deliver a follow up lesson on forecasting a building’s lifespan to the level 2 pupils. He also provided them with feedback on their initial design ideas for them to take forward into unit 2 of their school course.
Objective
To support students who want to work in design, engineering and construction in their understanding of the discipline and to enhance their thinking around their coarse work with the real-life applications used within the industry from the expert speakers.
Outcome
It was attended by 24 pupils from S5-6 who have shown an interest in an engineering career and came away with a richer and more comprehensive learning experience that seamlessly connected the career with their coursework.
Involved Partners
AtkinsRealis are the adopter company for Balwearie’s Design, Engineer, Construct (DEC) program. They design and deliver major projects on built and natural environments all around the world.
Hoare Lea is an award winning UK-based, multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy firm, specialising in building services.
Feedback
“Both sessions were really useful for our learners. Our expertise as teachers of the subject can only go so far, but Atkins Realis were able to delve much deeper into the topic and provided students with a richer learning experience, linked to careers and skills.
Every pupil was engaged and enjoyed the sessions. We look forward to Atkins Realis coming back in the new year to work with our pupils. This has been a fantastic partnership so far, and Atkins Realis are really keen to continue working with us.”
Linzi Charnley, Music Teacher and DYW Coordinator at Balwearie High School
Conclusion
The session provided students with valuable insights into the diverse opportunities and pathways available within engineering with a focus on building services. Students left encouraged to take the next steps in an engineering career with confidence and greater curiosity. The sessions also set a strong foundation for continued engagement and growth within their current studies of the sector.